Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 title

The greatest success and largest investment of the European Capital of Culture program series is the competition for the cities, provided they are able to carry on the legacy created in the competition. Veszprém has chosen an excellent project for this, by applying for the title of European City of Sport. This title conveys the message that exercise should be a source of joy in everyday life, a means of maintaining health and a tool for social cohesion. The channel of communication has changed, with culture giving way to sport and recreational exercise. The goals are no less ambitious than ensuring equal access to leisure activities for the widest possible social groups, creating the conditions necessary for a healthy lifestyle, and positioning the region positioning of regional health, leisure programs, and regional cooperation.

• Movement performed with pleasure: movement should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.
• Full motivation: striving for the best is important, even in everyday physical activity – the joy of individual development is what counts.
• Community spirit: sport strengthens human relationships, builds communities, and unites us.
• Fair play and sportsmanship: we treat each other with respect, and through sport we learn honesty, fairness, and cooperation.
• Improving health: regular exercise contributes to a longer, healthier and happier life. 

The basic principles were defined by ACES Europe, the organizer of the competition, and we fully endorse them.  

Péter Berényi (National Institute for Sports Development and Methodology - Budapest), Anita Detre (Andante Sport, Educational and Cultural Association - Zirc), László Edvy nbsp;(Pannon University Institute of Physical Education), Péter Finta (Hungarian Football Association, Veszprém County Directorate), Gyurkó Alexandranbsp;Alexandra Gyurkó (Hungarian Transplant Association, transplant recipient, three-time European champion swimmer - Herend), András Harangvölgyi (Balaton Uplands Cycling Association - Balatonfüred), Rita Havasi (Balaton Sports Association (petanque, mölkky) - Szigliget), Balázs Jassek (STEG.HU Higher underground, business owner), Balázs Kiss (Olympic champion hammer thrower), Koós-Hutás Lászlónbsp (Veszprémi Egyetemi és Diák Atlétikai Klub (VEDAC)), Kővári Edit (Pannon University), Navratyil Sándor (Association of People with Disabilities and Their Friends in Balatonfüred, three-time Paralympian - Balatonfüred), Orbán Éva (sports representative, Veszprém MJV Mayor's Office, Olympian), Zita Pálmai (Veszprém County Student Sports Association), Zsuzsa Pischné Bankó (Pannon Veszprém SE, Hungarian Handball Federation), Annamária Steiner-Isky (Hungarian State Opera Foundation for Young Artists (chair of the board of trustees) - Budapest), Balázs Tilinger (Hungarian School Sports Federation), Anikó Tóthné Stupián (Sportolj velünk Sportegyesület (SVSE) [Let's Play Sports Sports Association]), Rita Wahab (Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Ltd., Chief of Staff)

The bidding team:

Szilvia Bonyhádi (VEB2023), Dóra Kanizsai-Nagy (VEB2023), Balázs Kiss  (Olympic champion hammer thrower), Edit Kővári (University of Pannonia), Zoltán Mészáros (cultural and tourism entrepreneour), Rita Wahab (VEB2023)

The Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 bid is not just about winning a title – it is a joint effort that builds self-confidence and motivation, helping to make exercise a part of everyday life. Whether you are a student, a mother, an employee, or a person with special needs, we want to help you make enjoyable exercise and physical and mental health a permanent part of your life.  

Exercise not only improves physical health, but also strengthens community ties, promoting a more cohesive and happier society. The international attention that we can achieve through the success of the bid creates new opportunities in the fields of tourism, the economy, and sports development. In this way, the region is building not only for the present but also for the future, where sport and an active lifestyle are accessible to everyone.

The application is being prepared in cooperation with the local governments of Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region, with the participation of nearly 100 municipalities, so that the region can bear this prestigious title in 2026.

The strategic partners listed on our website are organizations that actively supported the Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 program during the application period, agreed with its objectives, and indicated their intention to cooperate in the implementation of future events. With the award of the project grant, the strategic partnership structure became final. However, other organizations may join the project's events and programs at a later date as collaborators, participants, or implementing partners, depending on the framework of the event in question.

Our strategic partners can be viewed here!